SUBIC BAY, Philippines -- The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, Nov. 18 for a port visit.

While in port, the combined Navy and civilian mariner crew will spend the next several days completing a series of inspections to assess the ship’s capabilities. These inspections are a part of Land’s Fleet Maintenance Activity Assessment (FMAA).

“The FMAA is an annual evaluation conducted by Commander, Submarine Force Pacific, that measures our ability to provide maintenance support to the fleet,” said Land’s commanding officer, Capt. Michael Luckett. “Our repair and supply departments have been working hard to prepare for this assessment.”

The FMAA is a thorough look into the ship’s ability to complete repairs, production, maintenance and training. As a Fleet Maintenance Activity, Land is expected to maintain a full range of capabilities to perform quality maintenance in accordance with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Joint Fleet Maintenance Manual (JFMM) specifications.

“We’re ready to demonstrate our capabilities,” said Land’s repair officer, Cmdr. Andrew Maurice. “Every year we get a thorough outside look at our programs and processes though this assessment. This assessment allows us to make our repair department better prepared to execute quality maintenance and return ships and submarines back to the fleet in top material condition, ready to execute their mission.”

In addition to the inspections, crew members will have the opportunity to engage with the community by participating in community outreach events and enjoy some liberty by taking part in Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored tours.

“MWR tours are a great opportunity for Sailors to get off of the ship with their shipmates and experience all that the host nation has to offer,” said Land’s recreational services officer, Ens. Michael Savage. “Additionally, the tours are often the only way to experience certain activities in ports.”

Land’s visit to the Philippines continues the U.S. Navy’s ongoing commitment to theater security, cooperation and friendship with local partner navies.

Guam is home to the U.S. Navy's only submarine tenders, USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), as well as four Los Angeles-class attack submarines. The submarine tenders provide maintenance, hotel services and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. The submarines and tenders are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed naval force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.